Learn the ropes of running a race

Friday

Jun 17, 2011 at 12:01 AMJun 17, 2011 at 5:17 PM

Dowell says racers should be friendly, but when it's time to run, don't be chatty with other runners unless you've agreed to do so beforehand. If you're going to chat while you run or walk, be aware of other participants and be prepared to let them pass.

Carol Sponagle

For most first-timers, preparing to complete a runner's road race is often the biggest factor to consider before competing.

But when you are running with possibly hundreds of other people, who all have different goals –– beating the competition, achieving a personal best or just finishing the race at a walk –– you should be aware that there is more to racing than speed, strategy and stamina. It also involves etiquette.

Tracy Dowell, sales associate at the Springfield Running Center in Illinois and a longtime member of the Springfield Road Runners Club, is an expert on race manners. As a race coordinator and winner of the SRRC Point Series, Dowell has seen the good, the bad and the ugly of race-day manners.

For example, Dowell says she doesn't “like to see 'bandits,' people who run but don't register and pay. Many of these races benefit a charity, and they're volunteer staffed."

Reading the rules before the race can help avoid problems. For example, many races don't allow dogs, strollers or digital music devices for safety concerns.

Dowell says racers should be friendly, but when it's time to run, don't be chatty with other runners unless you've agreed to do so beforehand. If you're going to chat while you run or walk, be aware of other participants and be prepared to let them pass.

"Some runners are more serious, and talking can be distracting," Dowell said. "You can be serious, but be courteous to volunteers. When you grab water (from aid stations), thank the volunteers. Thank the police officers for blocking traffic."

Think of others

Allyson Strauch, academic adviser at Robert Morris University in Illinois and a race veteran, says following race rules and knowing proper etiquette before, during and after the race is important. Knowing your pace is helpful, too Strauch says.

"Don't be afraid to ask other runners ... their projected goal time ... or their average mile time. You do not want to start too close to the front, nor do you want to start in the very back and navigate your way around walkers."

Another important tip from Strauch: "If you are going to spit or blow your nose, be sure there is not a runner behind you or to the side of you.

"And what I think is most important that maybe most new runners might not do is to tell the volunteers thank you. Countless hours, blood, sweat and tears go into getting the last runner across the finish line," said Strauch.

It's also important to set an example of sportsmanship and good race manners at children's races, Strauch says, such as cheering on other runners when you've completed the race.

"I believe children's races set a positive tone and are a good example of healthy living and ... the importance of exercise at an early age. My youngest ran in the Premier Bank Fourth of July race when he was just 3 years old. He finished dead last ... and several minutes behind the person in front of him, but the crowd support and enthusiasm was unforgettable."

Do's and don'ts

Etiquette tips for races and running events from the Road Runners Club of America in Springfield, Ill.

Before and during the race

Read the race entry form and follow the rules. Many races do not allow iPods, dogs, strollers or other things because of safety concerns.
Register in advance so organizers can ensure adequate staffing and refreshments.
Arrive early.
Pin race numbers on the front of your shirt or shorts.
Walkers and slower runners should begin near the back of the line.
Walk or run only two abreast to allow faster runners to pass.
If you are blocked from passing, saying, "excuse me," "on your right" or "on your left" are polite ways to announce your presence.
Pay attention to the course. Often, race organizers will arrange to block traffic, but it is your responsibility to watch traffic to ensure your safety.
Yield to wheelchair athletes, as they cannot stop as quickly as foot runners.

The aid station

Approach the aid station on the right to grab fluids or snacks from volunteers. Move forward quickly, but don't forget to thank volunteers.
If you need to walk, move to the side of the road to allow runners to pass.
Throw your used cup or wrappers in a garbage can or on the ground near the aid station but away from the course. Do not throw cups that still contain liquid. Instead, drop them from below the waist to avoid spraying other runners.
Report distressed runners to the nearest aid station. Note the runner's race number and the mile marker.

The finish line

Once you cross the finish line, keep moving to the finish chute. Stay in finishing order if the event is not electronically timed so the finish line volunteers can remove pull tags for scoring.
Return timing tags or chips before leaving the finish chute.
Once scoring is completed, exit the finish chute to make room for other runners.